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Fighting fires? Try doing it in ice and snow

By Jennifer Wentz

jwentz@eveningsun.com @jenni_wentz on Twitter

Posted:
02/18/2014 07:01:36 AM EST

Fire crews work to extinguish a fire at Manchester Motors in Codorus Township after a three car vehicle collision sent one into the building and it caught fire Sunday. Besides the challenging act of fighting fires, cold weather, snow cover can also hamper efforts. (Paul Kuehnel - For the Evening Sun)

A fire destroyed a garage in the 3800 block of Copenhaver Road in Manheim Township on Sunday. (Shane Dunlap - The Evening Sun)

Freezing water, poor road conditions and malfunctioning equipment can complicate operations for local fire companies in the winter.

Adding to these challenges is the fact that fire companies often have to respond to more fires when it's colder. Many fires are caused by residents failing to maintain wood-burning stoves and chimneys, said Gettysburg Fire Company Fire Chief Hurshel Shank,

Sunday and Monday, local companies responded to three fires — one in Codorus Township, one in Bendersville and one in Manheim Township — in less than 24 hours.

Although none of these fires were related to heating appliances, crews nonetheless dealt with subfreezing temperatures and snow-covered roads.

Be prepared, said Chief Jerry Poland of the Bonneauville Community Volunteer Fire Company.

"It all comes down to pre-planning, training and being aware of hazards," Poland said.

One of the most important parts of planning, he said, is looking out for the safety and comfort of firefighters. Some crews choose to carry "stash bags" with extra socks, a hat and gloves.

Firefighters need to cover any exposed skin to avoid frostbite, and departments can provide heated rehab stations to give crews an opportunity to warm up during long operations, Poland said.

Icy conditions can also pose a safety risk.

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"It's always a concern as far as slips and falls and things like that," Lineboro Volunteer Fire Department Chief Shawn Utz. "Cold, in general, hinders firefighting activities a little bit, just the same as heat does in the summertime."

"Anything we do water-wise freezes," said Utz, who was at Sunday's fire in Manheim Township.

A garage that caught fire in the 3800 block of Copenhaver Road in Manheim Township was completely damaged on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014. (Shane Dunlap - The Evening Sun)

Even when crews can keep water circulating enough to prevent it from freezing in the hoses, the backsplash of water on the ladders can keep them from operating correctly. Ice can also make structures more likely to collapse, Poland said.

Ice- and snow-covered roads present yet another challenge.

Utz said his truck drivers face the same issues any other driver would face in poor road conditions, including sliding on ice and navigating snow-covered areas.

Trucks at the Gettysburg Fire Company have chains they can deploy when the roads are bad, but they only work in up to about six to eight inches of snow, said Chief Shank of the Gettysburg Fire Department.

Many volunteer firefighters have to clear off their own vehicles to get to the station, which can delay response time in the winter.

What can residents do to help?

First, they can help prevent fires by cleaning their chimneys and being mindful of wood-burning stoves and other supplemental heating sources, said Lineboro Chief Utz.

Chimney fires are especially common early in the season, said Gettysburg Chief Shank. Crews also occasionally see fires caused by people trying to heat their homes with their ovens, which, Shank said, is extremely dangerous.

With the National Weather Service forecasting an additional two to four inches of snow Monday night, residents can also help emergency personnel by digging out hydrants and shoveling sidewalks and driveways.

"Be prepared to help us help you," Shank said.

John Scott, left, and Beverly Poe watch firefighters extinguish a fire in their apartment in Codorus Township after a car went into the building. (Paul Kuehnel - For the Evening Sun)

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